Sorry for such a late recap this week, folks. I was, um, out turkey hunting. Yeah, that’s it. And, mmm, picking out pumpkins for my homemade pies.

I appreciate the patience from all three of my readers. (Or is that too large of an estimate?)

On to band business. Seven of the remaining eight will perform tunes by Leiber and Stoller, who crafted a slew of hits for Elvis Presley.

Light of Doom — The kid-rockers are up first and put their spin on Jailhouse Rock. (Thank God Sixwire didn’t suck the life out of this tune.) Doom pull back on the metal, and it works.

John Rzeznik say the boys “tore it up.” Sheila E. starts in early with the catchphrases and dubs the performance “rock fabulous.” (I’m stealing that.) But she also scolds the boys for cursing during the taped interview. (No guitar practice for you!) Dicko says the band is becoming “more and more watchable.”

The Clark Brothers are tearing through Saved, and the religious bent/rock edge seem entirely appropriate. One of the trio’s strengths is the contrast of a traditional sound and a modern look. Call it the soundtrack of choice for church-going hipsters.

There’s a fine line between consistency and repetition, but the Clark Brothers seem to handle the balance well. Goo Goo digs it, Sheila E. calls it “magnifico,” and Dicko loves frontman Ashley’s vocals

Dot Dot Dot — After a few jokes about frontman Adam’s girly inclinations, the band launches into Love Potion No. 9, one of the worst songs in pop history. That means it’s somehow perfect for these guys.

I’m not loving this, and suddenly, it’s all clear: Dot Dot Dot is the kind of “hip” band that plays an out-of-town convention or a suburban wedding to make the crowd feel like they’re in on something really cool and underground. Not with that Hot Topic wardrobe, my friend.

Johnny — sorry, John — likes it despite the “really goofy novelty song.” Sheila E. thinks it was “fantastic” but says the band’s two females are carrying the group. Dicko agrees and wants more vocal personality.

Cliff Wagner & the Old. # 7 — Cliff’s looking spiffy in his vest, and the band brings a sprightly retro flair to Poison Ivy. There also seems to be a bit more onstage charisma this week.

Rzeznik wants the band to “push it a little harder” next time. Sheila E. calls it “superb” but also wanted more edge. And Dicko says it felt “a little lazy.”

Frank Micelotta: FOX

Dot Dot Dot, making soccer moms everywhere feel cool.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra — These musical dorks are trying to be sexy and sleazy but fall way short during Ruby Baby. All I envision is a great Saturday Night Live office-party skit. But as real music, this is pure cheese.

Rzeznik thinks Denver’s vocals were stiff and says the band has a “really limited” funk factor. Sheila E. throws more hyperbole around — “marvelous.” Whatever you say, little drummer girl. And Dicko gets jab of the week honors by labeling the the band “super-straight white dudes in business casual.” Love it.

Sixwire — Listen up, city boys. WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER LONESTAR. And we certainly don’t need anther Rascal Flatts. I know I sound like broken record. But so does Sixwire. A really bad, broken-down, heard-it-all-before piece of vinyl pointlessness.

Rzeznik says it felt like the band “was going through the motions.” (Exactly.) Sheila E. didn’t like the song choice and struggles to say something nice. (Chicken.) And Dicko calls the lead singer “Prince Charming from Shrek” — plastic emotion and fake smiles, in other words — and compares the band to “a lukewarm bath.” (Yes!)

Finally, some sense.

Tres Bien — The scrappy trio gets the final slot, which means Franklin Bridge finally takes it hot-jam-band mess of sound home. The lead singer does not look pleased, and Sheila E. thinks voters made a mistake. Not this American, missy.

It’s easy to see why Tres Bien made the cut over the Bridge boys. Tres Bien has a cheeky edge, modern sensibility and defined look. This isn’t the band’s best performance, but it’s better than anything Franklin Bridge (or Sixwire or Dot Dot Dot) have ever done.

Rzeznik liked the “urgency,” and Sheila E. thinks Tres Bien is worthy of a Saturday-morning cartoon. Dicko babbles on about pastiche and Corny Collins. Who knows.